Big 5 and PMV join forces in mega expo to tap into $2.8 trillion Middle East construction boom

The PMV expo is relocating to a site adjacent to the Big 5 at Dubai International Convention Centre from November 23-27, transforming the event into one of the world's largest trade shows for the construction industry and associated suppliers.

'As the latest research shows, there has been no let up in the construction boom since last year,' said Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group, who stage PMV on behalf of Dmg World Media, the Big 5 organisers.

'It means suppliers of plant, machinery, construction vehicles and equipment are still pursuing contracts worth many billions of dollars, and we've created a platform for them to meet face to face with key buyers'.

Bernard Walsh, managing director Dmg World Media Dubai commented: 'The arrival of the PMV expo at Big 5 in a single site venue is a natural synergy for us. We've listened to what our exhibitors and visitors wanted and have responded with a one-stop shop for all construction professionals. It plans to be a dynamic five days in November'.

Research by database company Proleads, which monitors regional construction projects across all industry sectors in the Middle East, shows that there are now 3,339 projects estimated to be worth in excess of $2.8 trillion underway in the region, the bulk of development taking place in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

A massive wave of projects in the GCC, Egypt, Iraq and Libya has turned the region into the world's biggest market for plant, construction machinery, vehicles and equipment, demand for which is expected to grow by up to 20% over the next four years.

As more new airports, ports, mega resorts, theme parks, residential and commercial cities, and man-made islands take shape, industry suppliers are cashing in and they will be out in force when the Big 5 PMV relocates to Dubai International Exhibition Centre in November.

With the event still seven months away, Streamline Marketing Group said today it should grow by 35% over last year as manufacturers and suppliers worldwide of plant, construction machinery, vehicles and equipment seek to capitalise on the regional boom.

The UAE is firmly at the centre of the dramatic regional construction activity.

There are currently 1,248 projects worth $931bn under way in the Emirates which is home to more than 35% of the heavy equipment available worldwide, while 25% of the world's tower cranes are in use in Dubai.

Research by Proleads shows that Dubailand, with development worth $182.353bn now progressing, has replaced King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia ($129.976bn) as the region's biggest construction project currently underway.

This third largest project is Kuwait's Silk City ($86bn).

Overall, Saudi Arabia tops the table for active construction, with 1,026 projects valued at $1.102 trillion currently under way in the Kingdom.

The UAE, in second place for overall construction project value, has the largest number of active projects. Kuwait is in third spot with 267 projects worth $274bn followed by Qatar (268 projects - $205bn), Oman (190 projects - $103bn), Egypt (45 projects - $72bn), Iraq (42 projects - $67bn), Libya (75 projects - $63bn) and Bahrain (179 projects - $61bn).

Nick Webb added: 'The PMV element will retain its individual identity and have separate indoor and outdoor arenas. Suppliers of plant, machinery, construction vehicles and equipment are still pursuing contracts worth many billions of dollars, and we've created a platform for them to meet face to face with key buyers'.

Last year's PMV attracted more than 240 key manufacturers and suppliers from 24 countries.

This year's exhibitor line-up should break the 300 mark, with exhibition space expected to top 40,000 sqm compared with just under 30,000 sqm in year one.